Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County divorce is governed by Virginia’s equitable distribution laws under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 documented case results in Arlington County. We provide full representation for divorce, child custody, and property division matters filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Virginia Family Law Statutes for Arlington County
Virginia family law is codified in Title 20 of the Virginia Code. Key statutes include Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds), § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution), § 20-108.1 (child support guidelines), and § 20-124.2 (custody best interests). The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, personally amended the equitable distribution statute, providing unique insight into its application.
Last verified: March 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the most current information, consult these official government sources:
- Virginia Code Title 20 (Domestic Relations) – The official Virginia General Assembly website for family law statutes.
- Arlington County General District Court – The official .gov website for court procedures, forms, and contact information.
Arlington County Family Court Process
Arlington County Circuit Court handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters at 1425 N. Courthouse Rd. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles standalone custody and child support cases.
- Initial Consultation & Document Gathering: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your situation. Begin gathering financial documents, marriage certificate, and any existing agreements.
- File the Complaint: Your attorney will prepare and file the divorce complaint with the Arlington County Circuit Court clerk’s office, paying the $86 filing fee.
- Serve the Other Party: The complaint must be formally served on your spouse by a sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- Negotiate or Attend Hearings: Engage in settlement negotiations or attend pendente lite hearings for temporary orders within 21-60 days if needed.
- Finalize the Decree: Once all issues are resolved, a final hearing is scheduled. The judge signs the final decree of divorce, officially ending the marriage.
Arlington County Divorce Penalties & Costs
In Arlington County, divorce carries no criminal penalty but involves court costs, potential spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital assets and debts.
| Offense / Issue | Classification | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-Fault | ~$86 filing + service fees | 2-4 months |
| Contested Divorce | Fault/No-Fault | Filing fees + attorney costs + possible experienced fees | 9-18 months |
| Child Support | Guideline-Based | Monthly payment based on VA guidelines | Established at hearing |
| Equitable Distribution | Marital Property Division | Division of assets/debts; business valuation costs | Resolved with divorce |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Authority in Virginia Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and 4,739+ firm-wide case results, the firm brings substantial resources to your case. Mr. Sris’s personal amendment to Va. Code § 20-107.3 demonstrates deep, practical involvement in shaping Virginia family law.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Arlington County Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 115 total documented case results across all practice areas in Arlington County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters. This local experience includes successful resolutions in contested divorces, custody modifications, and complex property division cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Lawyer Near Arlington County
Our Arlington location at 1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, serves clients at the Arlington County courts. We represent individuals in Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Arlington County, Virginia?
Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree; contested divorce: 9-18 months; complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months; pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion. Virginia requires a 6-month separation (no minor children with signed agreement) or 1-year separation (with minor children) before filing no-fault.
How much does a divorce cost in Arlington County, Virginia?
Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86; sheriff service of process: approximately $12; private process server: $50-$100; pendente lite motion: additional court costs; Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+; mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Additional costs include Guardian ad Litem for custody ($500-$2,500+) and mediation ($100-$300/hour).
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Arlington County Circuit Court (1425 N. Courthouse Rd, Suite 2400, Arlington, VA 22201) handles all property division. Separate property (pre-marriage, inheritance, gifts) is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Arlington County, Virginia?
Custody in Arlington County is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Arlington County J&DR Court handles standalone custody. Arlington County Circuit Court handles custody within divorce cases.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Arlington County Circuit Court.
Related Legal Resources
Virginia Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page for family law information.
Alexandria Divorce & Family Lawyer – Representation in the neighboring independent city.
Arlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Help with related criminal matters in the same locality.
Attorney Bryan Block Profile – Learn more about our Of Counsel attorney.
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated from 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.